Hanging Rock “saved” from commercial development

Hanging Rock “saved” from commercial development
Jennifer DukeDecember 7, 2020

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced that Victoria’s Hanging Rock has been ‘saved’ from commercial development, with $1 million of government funding to provide ongoing planning protection.

The funding will be provided for ongoing maintenance of public facilities for the next four years, and will stop commercial development at the Eastern Paddock, which was to include a hotel and conference centre.

“This funding over the next four years will ensure the future of this vital community asset,” Guy said.

“More people will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Hanging Rock with proper funding now guaranteed,” he said.

Alternatives to commercial development to manage Hanging Rock will be explored between the Victorian government and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, after Guy visited local representatives Donna Petrovich and Amanda Millar.

Millar, who is Member for Northern Victoria Region, thanked Guy for delivering this outcome, as did Liberal candidate for Macedon, Petrovich.

Planning protections will be strengthened at the site to avoid inappropriate development in the long term, however they noted that any changes would not affect current uses of the site for horse racing and concerts.

The site, which had been committed to commercial and wind farm developments “up to 160 metres tall throughout the Macedon Ranges… taller than Hanging Rock itself,” according to Guy, saw huge opposition to commercial development through the Hanging Rock Action Group.

Upgrades to current facilities have not been opposed.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.

Jennifer Duke

Jennifer Duke was a property writer at Property Observer

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